Israeli defense officials have warned the U.S. that Iran's missile program poses an existential threat to Israel, similar to its nuclear program, and are prepared to strike independently if necessary.
According to the article, high-ranking officials from the Israeli defense forces recently conveyed to their American counterparts that Iran's missile program presents an existential threat to Israel, comparable to its nuclear ambitions. Israel has made it clear that it will not allow Iran to develop strategic weapons capable of endangering its existence. The Israeli stance reflects heightened concerns over Iran’s advancements and the potential for future aggression.
The report also reveals that Israeli officials shared operational concepts with the United States aimed at mitigating the threat posed by Iran’s missile capabilities, including possible strikes on key production facilities. This proactive approach suggests that Israel is taking the potential threat very seriously, particularly given fears that any American military action may be limited in scope and could leave Israel vulnerable to further Iranian retaliation. There is a notable worry that the U.S. might target only a select few sites, declare victory, and leave Israel to manage the aftermath of any Iranian response.
Moreover, Israeli military personnel acknowledged that while Iran has not yet crossed the thresholds set by Israel, the ongoing developments warrant immediate attention and preparedness. This acknowledgment points to the complexity of the situation, where Israel feels the need to act decisively to safeguard its national security and ensure that Iranian advancements do not escalate unchecked, reflecting the precarious nature of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
